MANCHESTER'S Chris Barnett gave David Burke plenty of food for thought as he pushed Commonwealth champion James Armah through eight tough rounds at Everton Park on Tuesday night.

Anfield southpaw Burke slipped a disc last month and was forced to pull out of his challenge for Armah's lightweight crown, but late standin Barnett gave the Guyanese champion a difficult eight round work-out.

Although Armah was handed the 78-76 points decision, Barnett had him on the floor early on and had a strong case for victory.

"Armah is strong but I already knew that," said Burke, who is now back in full training and has been sparring with Manchester's Ricky Hatton for the past week as the Hitman prepares for his latest world title defence this weekend.

"Chris Barnett gave a good account of himself on Tuesday night, but I always felt that Armah was the stronger fighter."

Burke also revealed that his postponed challenge will now take place in Liverpool sometime in July.

"I just can't wait to get in there," Burke added. "I have seen a few things in Armah's style the other night that I can now go away and work on in the gym. July can't come soon enough for me."

Burke also tipped Hatton to overcome his biggest challenge to date and defeat Irishman Eamonn Magee when the pair clash at the MEN Arena on Saturday.

Burke added: "Ricky is looking really strong in the gym. He's super fit and is a really tough spar, but I felt like I held my own which to be honest surprised me a little as I'm not 100 per cent and he's a bigger fighter.

"I'm sure it's going to be a cracking fight, but I believe Hatton will win inside the distance."

Meanwhile, Hatton himself intends to get Magee out of the way as quickly as possible on Saturday night in order to avert his eyes to other sporting matters.

Hatton is planning to celebrate a famous win and hang around for England's opening World Cup match against Sweden before jetting to Memphis to sit ringside for Lewis versus Tyson.

Hatton said: "I can't wait to beat Magee and have a relaxing weekend. Then I can watch the football and fly out for Lewis-Tyson. It should be a nice little weekend break."